The Kano State Government has approved  ₦4,450,552,700 to cover registration fees for NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS examinations for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The Commissioner for Education, Ali Abubakar Makoda, announced the approval on Sunday at a press conference, stating that the intervention will benefit over 150,000 Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) students across the state.

He explained that the sponsorship targets candidates under the Kano Educational Resource Department (KERD), the State Science and Technical Schools Board (STSB), and the Agency for Integrated Education Development (AIED), adding that it is specifically designed for indigene students in public secondary schools.

According to the commissioner, the initiative underscores the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to ensuring that no student is denied the opportunity to complete secondary education due to financial constraints.

Our sources reports that Makoda noted that by taking over the cost of examination registration, the government aims to reduce school dropout rates and improve students’ transition from secondary to tertiary education.

He added that the ministry has established eligibility criteria to ensure transparency and merit in the selection process. One of the key requirements, he said, is that prospective beneficiaries must obtain at least five credits in the state’s qualifying examinations.

The commissioner emphasized that the programme is inclusive, covering both male and female students in public schools across Kano State.

“Education remains the most important tool for the development of our great state. His Excellency’s administration recognizes the burden that examination fees place on families. By taking this responsibility, we are not only providing financial relief to parents but also securing the academic future of our youth,” he said.

He urged students to reciprocate the gesture through dedication and academic excellence.

Makoda also recalled that Kano State recorded an impressive performance in the previous NECO examinations, attributing the success to the government’s sustained investment in the education sector.

He further disclosed that the Ministry of Education will work closely with school principals to ensure a smooth registration process, while detailed guidelines on timelines and documentation will be communicated to schools in due course.